A village under the Franz Josef Glacier on the wild West Coast, with Fox Glacier 25 km south: two glaciers that come down from the Southern Alps almost into the rainforest. The glaciers have retreated a long way, and you can no longer walk onto them from the valley: the valley walks reach viewpoints, and heli-hikes land on the ice when the weather allows (often it does not; keep a spare day). Lake Matheson near Fox reflects Aoraki/Mount Cook on still mornings. Sandflies are fierce: bring repellent.
Highlights
- Heli-hike on the Franz Josef Glacier
- Glacier valley walk
- Lake Matheson mirror reflections
- Scenic flight over Aoraki and both glaciers
- Glacier Hot Pools in the rainforest
- Kiwi at the Wildlife Centre
Things to do
- Franz Josef Glacier valley walkMorning · 2h
- Heli-hike onto the glacier (weather permitting)Morning · 4h
- Lake Matheson reflection walk at dawnMorning · 1h 30m
- Glacier Hot PoolsEvening · 1h 30m
- Scenic flight with a snow landingAfternoon · 1h
Tours & tickets
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When to go
Best time: November – April (clearest skies often in winter)
Worth knowing
Snow on Arthur's Pass and the Haast Pass
The two roads over the Alps to the glaciers, Arthur's Pass from Christchurch and the Haast Pass from Wānaka, can need chains or close after snow from June to September; slips close them after heavy rain at any time of year. The TranzAlpine train usually keeps running. Allow a spare day.
Heads up
Sandflies on the West Coast
Sandflies bite hard on the West Coast in summer, worst at dawn and dusk and near water. Use a repellent with DEET or picaridin, wear long sleeves and trousers, and keep car and room doors shut. The bites itch for days.